December 2024 Newsletter | Vol. 8

Building Community Wealth Graduation 

Business Community Wealth recently celebrated its largest cohort of graduates from the Entrepreneurship Foundations program. The 17 determined entrepreneurs gained the tools and confidence they need to succeed in a variety of business ventures, including  HVAC, apparel, leasing management, interpretation, sweets, and more.

Over 12 weeks, participants focused on key business essentials such as marketing, credit, business loans, and financial planning—skills that help break down barriers to economic opportunity. Graduates now have a solid foundation in business model development, and are ready to launch and sustain businesses that contribute to a healthier local economy.

Since its inception in 2022, the program has graduated over 70 entrepreneurs, empowering these individuals to build wealth and leadership within the community.

Congratulations to this cohort for their dedication to creating opportunities and driving positive change. The next cohort begins in March 2025. To learn more and sign up, CLICK HERE.

Tip of the Month: Enjoy and Keep Holiday Boundaries

Holidays are a time when mental health is important - so whether engaging with friends, creating new year’s goals, or vacationing, prioritizing boundaries will be key. A boundary is a limit that separates acceptable behavior from unacceptable behavior, according to dictionary.com.   

Specific boundaries within areas of wellness can keep one from overcommitting and preserve relationships while preventing burnout. Three areas to consistently communicate and create are:

• Emotional: Internal limits in showing empathy without absorbing the feelings of others.
• Material: A defined boundary for finances towards lending, giving away, or to spending
• Time: A clear line in time that preserves responsibility, demands, and requests. 

As this season is the most wonderful time of the year, it is important to know how to self-care and where to find help. Please seek professional care when necessary.

Montbello Organizing Committee has several clinical and holistic providers in your neighborhood to support mental health https://www.montbelloorganizing.org/montbello-solutions

Job of the Month: Flexo Operator at Packing Corporation of America 

Event Recap: Celebrating Partnerships and Wildlife at the 2nd Annual Breakfast

On December 3, 2024, the Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges hosted their 2nd Annual Partnership Breakfast at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, bringing together RMA friends, community leaders, nonprofits, and partners. This event celebrated collaborations that connect diverse communities with the Refuge's vibrant wildlife and natural spaces.

The agenda featured a panel on tribal engagement and table talks focused on youth programming and volunteer initiatives. Attendees also explored ways to support iconic Refuge wildlife, including bison, black-footed ferrets, and pollinators, whose habitats benefit from ongoing restoration efforts.

Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges has made a lasting impact through diverse initiatives, including providing health supplies for black-footed ferrets, constructing shade structures for archery, and planting vibrant pollinator gardens. Recent projects include adaptive fishing programs for veterans and families and public art installations by Montbello students that welcome visitors to the Refuge’s trails. 

Through partnerships, Friends continues to enhance environmental education, habitat restoration, and community engagement, creating a haven where people and wildlife thrive together.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones During the Holidays

As we prepare to gather with loved ones this holiday season, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) suggests that Coloradans add a “vaccine check” to their to-do list. Immunizations against respiratory viruses can help protect everyone – especially those who are at high risk – from diseases including COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The 1,2,3 Protect You and Me public awareness campaign created by CDPHE highlights 3 easy steps to help protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses.

1. Get all recommended vaccines, including flu and COVID-19.
2. Take protective steps like covering coughs and sneezes (into a tissue or your elbow), frequent handwashing, and staying home when you are sick.
3. Talk with a health care provider about your or your child’s risk for severe RSV and the potential benefits of RSV immunizations.

Most health insurance plans cover vaccinations. CDPHE also provides information on free and low-cost vaccine providers throughout the state. 

2025 Health Insurance Open Enrollment with Connect for Health Colorado

Open enrollment for 2025 health insurance coverage is open through January 15, 2025; however, Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s health insurance marketplace, encourages residents to enroll soon.



With enhanced federal tax credits still in effect for 2025, Coloradans can expect a high level of financial support, with 81% of customers qualifying for help. Connect for Health Colorado estimates that 3 out of 5 Coloradans will find a plan for less than $10/month.

Connect for Health offers an online Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool that allows new and current enrollees to browse plans and get an estimate of financial aid without having to create an account. In addition, a statewide network of certified brokers and assisters who speak multiple languages is available to help customers determine which program is appropriate for them in 2025 – all free of charge.

For more information, visit https://connectforhealthco.com/ or call 1-855-752-6749 for assistance.

Featured Event: 4th Annual Black Santa Toy Giveaway

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

Academy 360 Winterfest

Wednesday, December 18th from 4:15-5:30 PM

Academy 360, 12000 East 47th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239

For the past two years, Academy 360 has hosted a Service Fair during the Winterfest event, bringing organizations on campus to provide families with a variety of resources. This year, the event will include a hot chocolate bar to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where the community comes together. 

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry

Thursday, December 19th at 9:00 AM

Montbello Recreation Center, 15555 E. 53rd Ave., Denver, CO 80239

The Mobile Food Pantry distributes food boxes on the first and third Thursday of each month, weather permitting. The pantry operates out of the parking lot at Montbello Recreation Center. New clients can streamline their visit by registering ahead of time here. 

December Nature Club Meetings

Thursday, December 19 from 12:30 to 3pm

ELK Education Center,12680 Albrook Dr. Denver, CO 80239

Join Environmental Learning for Kids on Thursdays for their Nature Club meetings. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at the Elk Education Center for a kid-friendly experience that’s both educational and entertaining. CLICK HERE to enroll. 

Yoga for Love

Every Wednesday from 5PM to 6PM

Love Center, 12000 East 47th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239

Join Struggle of Love for a grounding yoga class, where love and community come together. This class is free, and donations are warmly welcomed. Contributions help bring in special guests, such as sound healers and breathwork facilitators, and provide additional yoga props to enhance the experience. RSVP HERE.

Athletics and Beyond Toy Giveaway

Sunday, December 22 from 10am to 2pm

A&B Family Wellness Center, 4990 Nome St, Denver, CO 80239

Join Athletics & Beyond for the Toys-for-Tots Toy Giveaway! Families can enjoy FREE toys and food to celebrate the holiday season in Montbello. For more info, visit www.athleticsandbeyond.

*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.